When it comes to annual fundraisers, the Fort Wayne Dance Collective is known for creating over-the-top experiences that guests anticipate all year long. In years past, that meant choose-your-own-adventure theatrical performances in various Fort Wayne landmarks. But this year, under the leadership of Creative Director John Byrne, the organization is trying something new. As in years past, tomorrow’s ART MOVES event will raise funds for FWDC’s community outreach programs, high school dance programs and dance scholarships. But this year, FWDC eschewed the theatrical theme to celebrate creative expression in all its forms. At 6 pm tomorrow night, September 8th, Wunderkammer Company will serve as the backdrop for various choreographed pop-up performances, each inspired by a different iconic fine art works. The ART MOVES event will also include a silent auction, heavy appetizers and a cash bar provided by Club Soda. Tickets are $25 in advance, available through the FWDC website, or $30 at the door. With the event approaching, I talked to John Byrne to learn more about his artistic vision and inspiration for ART MOVES. B: What sparked the idea ART MOVES? J: Fort Wayne is a city just exploding with art and dance, and FWDC is proud to be in the forefront of this cultural movement. We serve such a diverse range of communities, ages, abilities and interests through dance education, healing and performances – more than 43,000 people annually to be specific! The idea for ART MOVES was simply inspired by the desire to bring awareness to what we do, in a fun, laid-back, party environment. For the artistic concept, I wanted to show who we are at the core by deconstructing dance down to its most pure form – movement. Dancers from 10 years old to 60 years old will take over the space in elegant and simple costumes, with beautiful lighting and sets by artist Diane Gaby. The dancers will represent recognizable iconic art works by emulating the essence of the art works through dance. The performance will be presented in a simply, allowing the movement and personalities of our diverse performers to shine through. B: What kind of art and artists inspired the choreography? J: There are eight choreographers contributing original dance works to ART MOVES. This includes Vicki Gallagher, Mandie Kolkman, Sydney Pacula, Corinne Hobbs, Liz Monnier, Ashley Benninghoff and Allison Brandgard. Choreographers chose iconic art work that inspired them and designed their dance works based on these pieces. At the event, you’ll see artists such as O’Keeffe, Magritte, Kandinsky, Van Gogh and Koons represented. Dancers from all branches of Fort Wayne Dance Collective’s programs will be performing the new dance works. Singer/songwriter Kelsie Murray will also be making a special appearance. What can guests expect at the event? J: Partygoers can expect...

The Barr Street Market continues, and this week’s vendor highlight is truly one of vision. Rebecca Stockert Fine Art pushes the envelope and asks you to look for the beauty and truth in life. Rebecca, the Education and Outreach Director at Artlink, works out of her home studio to create these masterful pieces. Her art ranges from sweet, quirky and whimsical to deep, thought-provoking and mildly dark. The image below is, believe it or not, an actual oil painting. Not one of her plush pieces. She poses the question, “Which came first, the plush or the painting? Hmmm…” Indeed. Rebecca’s art is focused in two places, Monsters and Motherhood (which, for me, provokes fond memories of ‘Where the Wild Things Are’), and Salt of the Earth. She explained to me her insight and motivations behind her work. “I am in the percolation period between projects, thinking about and sketching for a new series in the Salt of the Earth body of work, as well as working on a few commissions and items for the market. I have been thinking a lot about Midwestern identity and would like to tie these ideas into works I have done previously – about growing up working class and in a rural environment. I believe the Midwest is in a delicate place right now as our economies change and we re-envision ourselves. My ideas tie past, present and future, starting with the myth of the pioneer, touching on rural and urban identities, native flora and fauna, and thinking about what we want to become as a region. The items I sell at Barr Street Market are more aligned with my Monsters and Motherhood series: plush dolls and cute illustrations.” This is Rebecca’s first year at the market, but she is clearly no rookie. She loves meeting with the patrons and vendors alike. “Art and craft patrons need to know that when they purchase an item from an artist, they are buying much more than the material they hold in their hands. They are buying into a way of life: of the handmade, thoughtfulness, love and creativity. They are supporting a real, live, breathing artist and encouraging them to keep doing what they are doing. Every single sale for an artist is meaningful – they are giving part of themselves away. I have a personal connection to each piece of work I make.” She plans to stay busy creating new art and continuing her career with Artlink. “We recently started the Fort Wayne Arts Incubator that helps artisans start and sustain small businesses. I want to be a successful small business owner (with my art)...